More than 96% of Claimants Opt-In to ACTOS Resolution Program

FiercePharma is reporting that Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (collectively “Takeda”), today announced that more than 96 percent of eligible claimants have opted into the ACTOS (pioglitazone HCl) product liability resolution program that was announced on April 28, 2015. Takeda now is evaluating the submissions to determine whether they satisfy various criteria specified under terms of the resolution program. Takeda expects the resolution program to become effective upon completion of that review.

Per the resolution program, a 95 percent participation or greater triggers a $2.37 billion payment by Takeda into a settlement fund. However, that figure will rise to $2.4 billion if after a review of the claims submissions it is determined that 97 percent or more of them meet the settlement criteria. The settlement would not affect Takeda’s ability to pay dividends.

Once the settlement is operative, the company also will have resolved seven of the nine previously tried ACTOS product liability cases, which have been in various stages of the appeals process. In Cooper v. Takeda, which was tried in Los Angeles, California, Takeda is appealing from a judgment against the company. In Triana and Cipriano v. Takeda, the plaintiffs are challenging through post-trial motions a judgment in favor of Takeda.

Amazingly, Takeda’s decision to pursue this settlement does not change the company’s continued commitment to ACTOS. ACTOS continues to be available as a treatment option in the U.S. and other countries. In fact, pioglitazone has been approved for use in 95 countries, including the U.S., Japan, several in Europe, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Russia, to highlight a few.

Takeda believes the company acted responsibly with regard to ACTOS, and firmly stands behind the substantial data confirming a positive benefit/risk profile for ACTOS. In other words, Takeda is still making money off ACTOS.

The settlement would reduce the uncertainties of complex litigation for the company and resolve a high percentage of the ACTOS product liability claims. The settlement would allow the company to fully focus on its mission of creating better health outcomes for people worldwide through innovation.